“Marley” lands international sales

Kevin Macdonald's Bob Marley documentary has now been picked up by Universal Pictures International Entertainment for the UK and Scandinavia, while Lucky Red has secured the rights for Italy and Avalon Distribution for Spain.

Kevin Macdonald’s Bob Marley documentary, which was recently acquired by Magnolia Pictures and VH1 for U.S. rights and its first TV window respectively, has now been picked up by Universal Pictures International Entertainment for the UK and Scandinavia, while Lucky Red has secured the rights for Italy and Avalon Distribution for Spain.

The documentary, produced by Shangri-La Entertainment and Tuff Gong Pictures, is set for a North American and UK theatrical release on April 20. Director Kevin Macdonald, Marley’s son Rohan and long-time collaborator, Neville Garrick, will be in Berlin to present the film on February 12.

Marley is being billed as the “definitive” film about the music icon, and marks the first time his family has authorized the use of its private archives.

The Universal Pictures deal was brokered by Fortissimo’s managing director of international sales, Nelleke Driessen.

“Bob Marley is one of a very few true international icons,” Driessen said. “His image, music and messages of love and peace have crossed borders, boundaries and cultures and are as relevant in the world today as ever. We are extremely happy that the team at Universal share our passion for the subject matter and see the potential for this landmark project. There is no better company to bring this film to audiences across the UK and Scandinavia where Bob remains so popular.”

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Daniele Alcinii is a news reporter at realscreen, the leading international publisher of non-fiction film and television industry news and content. He joins the rs team with journalism experience following a stint out west with Sun Media in Edmonton's Capital Region, and communications work in Melbourne, Australia and Toronto. You can follow him on Twitter at @danielealcinii.